The American Staffordshire Terrier needs both sufficient training and enough socialization. Most times, cases of Staffy aggression on humans were a direct result of bad training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New pet parents should consider a breed with a more peaceful background and traits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These dogs make good family companions when their owners devote enough time to shaping them up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same is true for any other dog breed, but crucial for the American Staffordshire Terrier.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re not confident around dogs, it is not advisable for you to get a Staffy, even if you’ve had a successful stunt with other breeds like the Labrador Retriever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American Staffordshire Terrier will take the wheels if you’re a faint-hearted driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only problem is, she doesn’t have that license. It is counterproductive for your dog to be in charge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are subtle ways to communicate to your Staffy that you’re in charge, and it starts with food. Learn to feed her after every human has eaten. You should also be firm while training, but not harsh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obedience training is important for the American Staffordshire Terrier. The Staffy puppy should start training at about 6 months when she can start learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be consistent, not sporadic, when training them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Socialization is another necessity for this breed as it helps curtail any aggressive tendencies. Other forms of training to give them includes leash training and house training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

American Staffordshire Terrier Grooming Needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The American Staffordshire Terrier needs to be groomed and kept neat, like any other dog breed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They shed moderately but have moments when shedding increases. Keep your environment free of dog hair and brush their coat regularly during those periods. A bristle is the recommended tool for Staffy’s coat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body odor is not common with this breed, so bathing should not be regular. Only give them a bath when they get too dirty or muddy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What they do lack in body odor, they make up in bad breath. Staffies develop mouth odor with ease, so dental care should be regular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brush their teeth at least twice a week. You can add one more day if needed. Ensure you use vet-approved toothpaste and a good toothbrush. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, keep their nails at a low level by trimming them. This is a bit tricky with the American Staffordshire as she doesn’t like getting her paws touched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to be good with this to earn her trust, or you hire a groomer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check their ears frequently to remove debris and excess ear wax. It also helps prevent ear infections. Do not use any other tool on their ears except a cotton ball and ear cleanser.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

American Staffordshire Terrier Health Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The American Staffordshire Terrier should be kept healthy in any way possible. Every other aspect of dog care has the benefit of good health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a pet parent, you need to know a thing or two about the health of your pet and the complications he may be prone to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a few of those, and though these problems don’t affect all dogs of this breed, they are worth knowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the health conditions that may affect Staffies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin allergies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is a common medical condition that affects the American Staffordshire. Allergies come in many forms and range from mild to severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some forms include grass allergies, food allergies, and flea allergies. In general, the symptoms include spots on the skin, itching, scabs, and sores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hip dysplasia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hip dysplasia is common to almost all dog breeds, Staffies included. This anomaly manifests when the hip joints are loose, due to improper development of the femur and pelvis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is often hereditary and can be made apparent by other factors like excessive growth and bad exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms include limping, pain, and disinterest in moving around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demodectic mange <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Demodectic mange is another skin condition caused by a note named ‘Demodex Canis’. This is very contagious as the mites can infect other animals and humans. Symptoms include swelling of the skin and loss of hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elbow dysplasia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Elbow dysplasia is an inherited joint problem that also affects a good number of dog breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It happens when the elbow joints don’t develop the right way and the three bones of the elbow\u2014 radius, ulna, and humerus\u2014 don’t fit together. It often leads to lameness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patellar Luxation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is the dislocation of the kneecap (also called patella) and is one of the most common causes of lameness. It often affects toys, small, and medium-sized breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms include skipping movements, pain, and a reluctance to run or jump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cerebellar ataxia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ataxia occurs when there’s a lack of coordination in the nervous system. They are many types of ataxia, the cerebellar ataxia being one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms include an abnormal gait, frailty in the limbs, and dragging of feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n